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While calling Taumalolo "brave" for choosing to play for Tonga, Marshall clarified his stance on 20Four, reiterating that is was still "disrespectful" of the Cowboys star.

"My issue is not with the fact that he chose to play for Tonga," Marshall said.

"I think everyone is entitled to play for whatever country you want if you're from that country and he's as entitled to play for Tonga as much as he is for New Zealand, so there's no issues there.

"The thing that I thought was disrespectful was just the timing of the situation, the day before the Kiwi squad was about to be announced. He would have featured heavily in that and the development of the last four years with what the Kiwis were trying to do in terms of getting to this World Cup."

Marshall explains Taumalolo criticism

New Zealand coach David Kidwell said he had less than 48 hours notice of Taumalolo's decision.

"We've made a number of phone calls, emails and texts - you'll have to have a conversation with Jason there," Kidwell said on Thursday when the Kiwi squad was announced.

"I respect his decision but a conversation would've been good."

Cronulla Sharks prop Andrew Fifita was another high-profile NRL player that sensationally opted to represent Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup. Fifita officially announced his withdrawal from the Australian Kangaroos squad on Thursday after he was initially named in the side.

Kidwell shocked by Taumalolo’s defection

Fifita's shock switch was a day after Taumalolo elected to play for Tonga instead of New Zealand at the tournament.

“The Tongan Rugby League is very pleased with the squad we have been able to assemble, and when you see names like Taumalolo, Fifita, Taukeiaho, Ma’u, Hopoate, Jennings and Tupou in the team, you can understand why,” Woolf said.